15 Reverent Live Nativity Scene Locations Every Christmas Needs

Last Updated: 12/9/2018

Several years ago I decided we needed to do something that represented the real reason for Christmas, not just visiting Santa and riding the Pink Pig. So I set out to find one of the live nativity scenes around Atlanta. It wasn’t as easy as you might think. Now I’ve heard of several.

If you know of other places to see live nativities around Atlanta, please post a comment. Don’t forget to wear warm clothes.

All of these activities are held outside and free unless otherwise noted.

NOTE: We are updating for 2018 as we get notice. If you see an error please don’t hesitate to reach out and tell us!

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.

Free Church Sponsored Live Nativity Scenes Around Atlanta

Roswell United Methodist Church814 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075 | (770) 993-6218
When: Dec 15, 2018Experience a Christmas like no other! Journey through an indoor reenactment of an authentic first century marketplace, then praise with the shepherds, rejoice with the angels, and bow down with the Magi as we experience the Christmas story together.

The village will be open from 4-6:30 p.m. in the Dining Room, Chapel building. The Presentation of the Nativity will be at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. This is a free event for all ages and is open to the community; a suggested donation of $10 per family is appreciated. Tickets are not necessary but a reservation is required to ensure an open seat. Click here to reserve your spot for the 4:30 p.m. presentation. Click here to reserve your spot for the 5:30 p.m. presentation.

St. John’s United Methodist Church550 Mt. Paran Rd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 | (404) 255-1384When: December 8 & 9, 2018 | 6 – 8 pm
We have been to this nativity several times and it’s quite elaborate. Take a walking journey along a torch lighted path to the ancient city of Bethlehem. Be prepared to “make your mark” for the census in order to enter the city gates, guarded by Roman soldiers. Inside is a bustling street, lined with stalls full of bread, drinks, and herbs for sale.

Watch as a blacksmith finishes refining a sword for a soldier, or listen as school children learn Hebrew and recite stories. A fortune teller picks stones and holds them to the light to tell the future. There is a place to hitch the camels before entering the palace of King Herod which is guarded by more soldiers. The sound of angels singing brings guests outside the city. Out of the hustle and bustle, there is a barn with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. The couple’s donkey is hitched close by and the three kings wait patiently for their queue to bring the gifts. The Fellowship Hall is transformed into an inviting Angel Wing Café where visitors can warm up and refresh with complimentary hot cider, hot cocoa, and fresh baked cookies.

Mountain View United Methodist Church – Bethlehem Walk
2300 Jamerson Road, Marietta, Georgia 30066, United States | 770-928-0050Date: Dec. 7-9, 2018| 7 – 9 pm
Each year since 1992, Mountain View UMC in Marietta, GA has presented this interactive event to the community. You can walk through the streets of Bethlehem and haggle with the shopkeepers, sign the census and pay your taxes to Caesar Augustus’s tax collector. You can also sample the fine dried fruits, enjoy a tasty cup of hot apple cider, and try out the freshly made samples of bread at the bakery. At the end of your journey you will find God’s most precious gift. His newborn son will be wrapped in swaddling clothes and found in the stable on the edge of town.

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
731 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30308 | 404-874-8664Date: December 8, 2018 | 5-8pm UPDATE: New rain out date is Dec 16, 2018; 3pm – 6pm
On 4th and Peachtree, Come experience the town of Bethlehem 2000 years ago, told by current day witnesses, musicians, choirs. Witness the event that that changed our world forever. See the Great Star above a humble manger keeping lowly animals, a virgin, a God-fearing man and the baby, whose miracle of life began the greatest story of everyone’s lifetime. Hear the songs of Angels and Feel the awe of shepherds, royal wiseman, Roman soldiers, tax-collectors, artisans and villagers, all as they recount the birth of a King. Free Admission and parking along 4th Street

Snellville United Methodist Church2428 Main St E, Snellville, GA 30078 | (770) 972-9360Date: Dec. 8 & 9, 2018 | 6 – 8:30 pm
Take a journey to Bethlehem accompanied by a family traveling to pay their taxes. Along the way, they’ll tell you the story of the birth of the Christ child. As you go, take part in an ancient marketplace where merchants peddle their wears (including live chickens), and storytellers pass down traditions. Try your hand at dipping candles, making dolls, or sample wears from local merchants. Witness Mary and Joseph traveling by donkey, Roman soldiers, the no-vacancy signs on all the inns, shepherds, sheep, goats, angels, Wisemen traveling by Camel (there is a live camel along with the other animals) and even a tax collector.

Sardis United Methodist Church3725 Powers Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA 30342
Date: Sat., Dec. 8 & 9, 2018 | 6 – 8 pm
This is a great, laid back production complete with camels, goats, and a furry bunny. There are straw seats in front of the stable and after the production, you can pet the animals then go into the beautiful church for homemade cookies and hot cider.

Hope Crossing Church2106 Old Pendergrass Rd. Jefferson , GA 30549 | (706) 387-0003Date: Dec. 7,8,9 & 12, 2018| 7 and 8 pmInfo: Live nativity shows begin at 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm. and last about 20 minutes. This is an outdoor live nativity program depicting the birth of Jesus, suitable for all ages, so please dress appropriately and bring a blanket just in case. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be provided.

Simpsonwood United Methodist Church Walk Through Bethlehem
4500 Jones Bridge Cir, Norcross, GA 30092 | (770) 441-2181Date: Dec. 8-10, 2017 | 7 – 9 pm, (Dec. 10 6 – 8 pm)Info: Hundreds of candle lights line the path to the Walls of Bethlehem. Roman guards, shopkeepers and merchants pin costume are in the streets. Care has been taken to ensure that the good in each shop are realistic. See live farm animals, a camel, shepherds, angels and Wise Men during your visit.

Saint Mark Lutheran Church
2110 Brockett Rd, Tucker, Ga. | 770-938-4546Date: December 7-9, 2018 | 7pm – 9pm (6 – 8 Sunday)
Walk Through Bethlehem is a one of a kind, stroll-through village and nativity scene, that recreates the atmosphere of Bethlehem as it might have been the night Jesus was born. Visitors of all ages are inspired by hundreds of luminaries lighting the way to the entrance to the interactive village and live nativity. After the census taker registers visitors you can visit with our live camels. Roman guards allow visitors to pass through the gates to experience some 16 interactive shops lining the street. Visitors find that the story teller, campfire and live animals add to the atmosphere of the village.

Rock Spring Presbyterian Church1824 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 875-7483Date: December 23, 2018; 7pm and 7:45pmLAST SEASON. Since 1954, the Live Nativity Scene has been held in front of the church as Rock Spring Presbyterian’s way of celebrating the birth of Christ with the community. Rock Spring Presbyterian Church enacts the story of Jesus’ birth in half hour tableaus. Church members and neighbors dress up and play the parts of shepherds, angel, kings and the holy family. Live animals fill out the scene as well a narrated sound track with music. During the Live Nativity Scenes folks warm up with hot cocoa and snacks in the church fellowship.

This is the last year that they will perform the live nativity, so don’t miss it!

St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church680 W Memorial Dr, Dallas, GA 30132 | (770) 443-0566Date: Dec. 7&8, 2018 | 5:30-9pmInfo: This year they will have not only the Living Nativity re-enactment but also a town of Bethlehem with shops such as a basket weaving shop, bread shop, herb shop, a blacksmith who will be doing some demonstrations and a few other shops as well. They will have a children’s crafting corner where the kids can create holiday crafts. This year the children can meet and greet St. Nick! The Red Apron Cafe is open for dinner again, and the Christmas Craft Marketplace will be going on in conjunction with the event. They will have carolers singing classic holiday tunes, hot cocoa and marshmallow roasting available as well.

Live Nativity Scenes Around Atlanta as Part of an Attraction

Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights
After viewing Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights, sit around Robin Lake Beach and enjoy Twas The Night before Christmas and The Nativity, light and sound shows. Although technically not a live nativity, it does enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy.

Live Nativity at North Georgia ZooDates: Nov. 23 & 24, 2018Info: A Live Nativity will be set up so you can remember the “Reason for the Season.” Spend time with family and friends being thankful for what God has given us and enjoy activities that will bring families and friends together! There will be a Marshmallow Roast, Wool Jump and other Holiday activities that are FREE with admission to the farm!

Biblical History Museum
130 Gordon Commercial Dr., LaGrange, GA 30240 | (706) 885-0363Dates: Fridays and Saturdays in Dec 2018
During the month of December, trace the journey of Mary and Joseph as they travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. In addition, the Center has a ‘Two Different Kings” light and sound show which contrasts the difference between the world of King Herod and King Jesus. In addition to the holiday season events, The Biblical History Museum is a fabulous place to go back in time to ancient Israel. It’s very interactive and kid friendly.

Black Nativity
Ferst Center of the Arts | Various dates Nov 30 – Dec 9Black Nativity is a soul-stirring rendition of the Christmas Story that fills the theatre with thrilling voices, exciting dance and glorious gospel music. The play tells the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey through song and dance, culminating in a rousing finale surrounding the birth of Christ. The importance of the play is that, though an expression of Christian belief via the African-American perspective, the show appeals to all walks of life.

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Sue Rodman | Co-Founder

Sue came to Atlanta after finishing the Walt Disney World College Program where she was a tour guide then guest relations hostess (and no she did not moonlight as Snow White). Sue spent 25 years in PR before adding freelance travel writing to her resume. Prior to 365 Atlanta Traveler, Sue published an award winning family travel blog called Field Trips with Sue for eight years, and produced a TV segment with the same name on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. Her favorite place to visit is anywhere with her husband and three sons. Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories. @SueRodman

Sue came to Atlanta after finishing the Walt Disney World College Program where she was a tour guide then guest relations hostess (and no she did not moonlight as Snow White). Sue spent 25 years in PR before adding freelance travel writing to her resume. Prior to 365 Atlanta Traveler, Sue published an award winning family travel blog called Field Trips with Sue for eight years, and produced a TV segment with the same name on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. Her favorite place to visit is anywhere with her husband and three sons. Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories.

This is excellent to keep us up with what’s happening. I have a 5 1/2 year old grandson who comes from New York for 7 days at Christmas & loves live nativity scenes. He also comes in June,after school so I’m most interested in keeping posted as to what is happening in summer months.

Saint Mark Lutheran Church also has a Live Christmas nativity!
Saturday, December 17, 2016 6 – 9 pm.
Travel back in time to Bethlehem and experience the story of Christ’s birth from Caesar’s decree to the arrival of the Wise Men at the manger!
Live Animals – Christmas Caroling – Cookies, Coffee & Hot Chocolate

Hi, our Rock Spring Live Nativity is Dec 23 and Dec 24. It is not Dec 22 this year. The times are as follows Dec 23 7-8:30pm and Dec 24 7-9pm. I hope you can update this on your wonderful website.

More info: Rock Spring’s Live Nativity Scene-Watch or take part!
On Friday December 23rd from 7:00-8:30pm and on Saturday December 24th from 7-9pm. Rock Spring Presbyterian Church enacts the story of Jesus’ birth in half hour tableaus. Church members and neighbors dress up and play the parts of shepherds, angel, kings and the holy family. Live animals fill out the scene as well a narrated sound track with music. During the Live Nativity Scenes folks warm up with hot cocoa and snacks in the church fellowship. AS a special treat on Friday night Dec 23rd there will be a Christmas Bluegrass Jam in fellowship hall as well. Please call the Rock Spring church office (404-785-7483) if you and your family are interested in participating in the Live Nativity Scene, many shepherd slots are still available. Hope to see you at the Bethlehem manger at Rock Spring Presbyterian Church at 1824 Piedmont Rd.

Bethel Baptist Church
Live Nativity Program
December 7th & 8th, 6PM-9PM
Admission if free
Dres warmly for the tractor drawn hayride journey which lasts approximately 45 minutes.
From downtown Dawsonville, follow Shoal Creek Road to Highway 136. Church is located on the left at 2659 Hwy 136 West

Prospect United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville, GA hosted our 10th annual Live Nativity and Musical tonight. Our church, founded in 1830, caters primarily to the surrounding Lawrenceville, Dacula and Hamilton Mill area. Three shows at 600, 640 and 720 with cookies and hot chocolate after each show. We have shepherds, angels, wise men and even goats, donkeys and a camel! I’ll try to post next year BEFORE the show!